Beverage container having a squeeze-actuated self-sealing valve

ABSTRACT

A beverage container includes a squeeze-actuated self-sealing valve. An actuation mechanism is disposed between inner and outer walls of the cup portion. The actuation mechanism is acted upon by squeezing the beverage container. The actuation mechanism moves a sliding plate in the cover to expose an opening along a front end of the cover for drinking from the beverage container. When not in use, a biasing mechanism in the actuation mechanism causes the sliding plate of the self-sealing valve to return to the closed position.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/470,624, filed May 15, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to beverage containers, and in particularto a beverage container having a manually operable valve for unsealingan opening.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is well recognized that consumers generally prefer beveragecontainers that maintain their beverage at a near constant temperature,whether hot or cold. Accordingly, beverage containers are often providedwith a cover or lid for reducing the heat exchange between the beverageand the environment. The cover on the beverage container may also beused to prevent or reduce spillage of the beverage. Although the coverhelps maintain the beverage at a constant temperature and may preventspillage, it can be cumbersome to remove and replace the cover each timeit is desired to sip from the beverage container.

Accordingly, beverage container covers are often formed with an openingfor sipping the beverage without removing the cover. Certain types ofcovers are further provided with a manually operable valve forselectively sealing the opening, thereby preventing spills and reducingthe heat exchange between the beverage and the environment. When it isdesired to sip from the beverage container, an actuation mechanism isdepressed or otherwise manipulated by the user to open the valve.Beverage containers having covers of this type are often used by peoplewho wish to carry a hot beverage, such as coffee or tea, whiletravelling, such as to and from work or in any situation where thecontainer is subject to motion.

However, beverage containers having covers with valves suffer from avariety of shortcomings. In one primary shortcoming, a substantialadjustment in hand position may be required in order to actuate thevalve mechanism. The hand adjustment, as well as the requiredapplication of a force can be very difficult and hazardous, especiallywhile the user is involved in other distracting physical activities,such as driving. Various other shortcomings associated with existingschemes include the failure of the valve to close completely, corrosionor breakage of parts, difficulty in cleaning and complexity and expenseof components.

Therefore, a need exists for a beverage container having a new andimproved cover. It is desirable that such a cover includes a valvemechanism that can be easily and conveniently operated by the user. Inorder to be commercially viable, it is desirable that such a beveragecontainer is inexpensive to manufacture, simple to operate and safe foruse by consumers. It is also desirable that such a container is durable,easily portable and well insulated to maintain a near constant beveragetemperature. The present invention addresses these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a new andimproved beverage container having an squeeze-actuated self-sealingvalve mechanism for allowing an opening in a cover to be sealed andunsealed in an efficient and convenient manner.

In one preferred embodiment, a beverage container having a self-sealingvalve comprises a cup portion formed with a bottom end, a top end and aninner wall defining an interior volume. A cover is adapted forengagement with the top end of the cup portion and the cover is formedwith an opening for drinking therethrough. A slidable valve assembly isprovided in the cover for sealing the opening when not in use. Anactuation mechanism is mounted along the first wall and is coupled tothe valve assembly for moving the valve assembly when the cup portion issqueezed by the user.

In another preferred embodiment, a biaser or resilient member isprovided for urging the valve assembly into a closed position such thatthe opening is sealed in the absence of an external force.

In another preferred embodiment, the cup portion further desirablycomprises an outer wall and the actuation mechanism is disposed betweenthe inner and outer walls. The actuation mechanism comprises a pivotingmechanical lever for sliding the sliding plate relative to the cover.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outerwall is desirably formed with a cut-way portion and a resilient materialis disposed over the cut-away portion. The resilient material ispreferably made of a deformable material for allowing the user to applya force to the actuation mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage container including aself-sealing valve mechanism according to one preferred embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the beverage container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the beverage container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the beverage container shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container shown in FIG.1 illustrating the various components of a self-sealing valve mechanism;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the beverage containerwith the valve in the open position;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a bottom pad used with the beverage containerof FIG.1;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the bottom pad of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate various views of a lever which is used to actuatethe self-sealing valve mechanism; and

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate various views of the sliding plate which forms apart of the self-sealing valve mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention described herein providea beverage container comprising a cup portion and a cover incorporatinga self-sealing valve. The self-sealing valve provides a convenientmechanism for sealing the interior volume of the beverage container tohelp insulate the beverage and prevent accidental spills. The beveragecontainer may be used with hot or cold beverages.

With reference to FIG. 1, for purposes of illustration, one preferredembodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the form of abeverage container 10 generally including a cup portion 11 and a cover12. A front grip portion 14 is disposed along a front side of the cupportion 11. As shown in FIG. 2, a corresponding rear grip portion 16 isdisposed along the rear side of the cup portion 11. The front and reargrip portions 14, 16 may be provided with textured surfaces for allowingthe user to grip the beverage container 10 in a comfortable and securemanner. The rear grip portion 16 is preferably made of a deformablematerial, as will be described in more detail below.

As best shown in the top view of FIG. 3, the cover 12 is formed with anopening 22 extending through a substantially disc-shaped center portion20. The illustrated opening 22 takes the form of an elongated slot thatprovides an exit port for allowing the contents of the beveragecontainer to flow out from the interior volume of the cup portion 11.With reference now to FIG. 4, a bottom view of the beverage container 10illustrates a contoured bottom pad 18 for preventing the beveragecontainer from slipping or skidding. The front and back grip portions14, 16 can also be seen in FIG. 4. FIGS. 6 and 7 provide plan and sideviews of a preferred embodiment of the bottom pad 18.

With reference now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of the beveragecontainer is shown. The cup portion 11 includes an outer wall 13, aninner wall 15, and an actuation mechanism 30 disposed in the gap betweenthe inner and outer walls. The inner wall 15 defines the interior volumeof the cup portion 11. The outer wall 13 defines the exterior surface ofthe cup portion 11. The inner and outer walls are preferably made ofstainless steel or any other suitable material. The gap between theouter wall 13 and the inner wall 15 provides enhanced thermal resistancefor insulating the contents of the beverage container, thereby reducingthe amount of heat exchange with the environment. The cover 12 ispreferably adapted to engage an upper end of the outer wall 13 of thecup portion 11 in a threaded or friction fit relationship for attachmentthereto. It will be appreciated, however, that the cover 11 couldalternatively be adapted to engage an upper end of the inner wall 15 ofthe cup portion 11 in a threaded or friction fit relationship forattachment thereto.

The actuation mechanism 30 is configured for moving a valve assembly inthe cover 12 for unsealing the opening. The actuation mechanism 30 ispreferably located along the rear side (i.e. diametrically opposed tothe opening) of the cup portion 11 between the outer wall 13 and theinner wall 15. FIGS. 8-11 illustrate various views of one preferredactuation mechanism comprising a lever 30 having a top end 36, a bottomend 38, a biasing spring 34 and an indent 32.

With reference again to FIG. 5, the indent 32 of the lever 30 receives apivot pin 42 such that the lever 30 is rotatably coupled to the cupportion. The outer wall 13 of the cup portion 11 is preferably formedwith a cut-away region (i.e., an opening) for allowing the user to applya force along a bottom end 38 of the lever 30. The rear grip portion 16is disposed over the cut-away region in the cup portion 11 and ispreferably made of a deformable, resilient material that provides forsecure gripping and a desirable tactile sense.

With reference now to FIGS. 12-14, the valve assembly generallycomprises an elongate sliding plate 44 with a lip portion 48 extendingdownward along a rear end portion of the sliding plate. The slidingplate is preferably formed with a gap 46 for housing a return spring, aswill be described in more detail below.

With reference again to FIG. 5, the sliding plate 44 is preferablyslidably disposed within the cover 12. With the cover 12 located on thecup portion 11, a top end 36 of the lever 30 is located adjacent the lipportion 48 of the sliding plate 44. The rubber gasket 40 provides a sealto prevent external fluid from entering the gap between the inner wall15 and outer wall 13. A return spring 45 or other resilient member ispreferably provided within the gap 46 formed in the sliding plate 44.The return spring 45 is configured for urging the sliding plate 44 intothe closed position, thereby providing a self-sealing valve assembly.

In operation, the user removes the cover 12 from the cup portion 11 tofill the interior volume of the cup portion with a liquid beverage. Thecover 12 is then placed back on the top end of the cup portion 11 byengaging the cover with the cup portion in a threaded or friction fitrelationship. In this position, a first engagement surface defined bythe top end 36 of the lever 30 and desirably facing the outer wall 13 isadjacent to or in engagement with the a second engagement surface, whichis defined by the lip portion 48 of the sliding plate 44 and desirablyfacing away from the outer wall. The gap between the inner wall 15 andthe outer wall 13 of the cup portion 11 provides thermal resistance toreduce the heat loss from the contents of the cup portion. When the useris not drinking from the beverage container, the self-sealing valve isin the closed position to further insulate the contents and preventaccidental spills. When picking up the beverage container 10, the usergrasps the cup portion around the mid-section in a natural manner as heor she would whenever holding a cup. When it is desired to drink fromthe beverage container, the user squeezes the cup portion 11 and, moreparticularly, applies an external force to the rear grip portion 16 ofthe beverage container 10.

With reference now to FIG. 5A, the rear grip portion 16 deforms inwardand thereby pushes the bottom end 38 of the lever 30 inward (i.e.,toward the inner wall 15). The inward movement of the bottom end 38 ofthe lever 30 causes the lever to rotate about pivot pin 42. As a result,the top end 36 of the lever 30 moves in a rearward direction (i.e.,toward the outer wall 13). Because the top end 36 of the lever 30 is inengagement with the lip portion 48 of the sliding plate 44, the lever 30causes the sliding plate 44 to slide in a rearward direction relative tofixed portion of the cover 12. Specifically, the force of the firstengagement surface against the second engagement surface causes thesliding plate 44 to move. It will be recognized that, in order theachieve this, the user must apply a sufficient force to overcome theforce of the biasing spring 34 acting on the lever 30 and the force ofthe return spring 45 acting on the sliding plate 44. As the slidingplate 44 slides in a rearward direction, the opening 22 in the cover isunsealed and the user may then sip the contents of the beveragecontainer through the opening. When the force applied by the user to thebottom end of the lever is removed, the biasing spring 34 causes thelever 30 to pivot back to the resting position. In addition, the returnspring 45 in the cover causes the sliding plate 44 to move forward toreseal the opening 22. As a result, when the user is not “squeezing” thebeverage container, the sliding plate 44 reseals the opening 22, asshown in FIG. 5, thereby providing a convenient self-sealing valvemechanism.

The arrangement of components described above provides a improvedbeverage container having a well-insulated cup portion and aself-sealing opening that is very convenient to operate. The actuationmechanism is located within the cup portion, rather than on the cover,for allowing the user to maintain a comfortable hand position whileoperating the self-sealing valve. The actuation mechanism (e.g., lever)is releasably coupled to the self-sealing valve such that the cover maybe removed and replaced for filling the cup portion. Furthermore, theactuation mechanism is preferably located between the inner and outerwalls for providing an integrated unit that is easy to clean andprovides a pleasing appearance.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a beveragecontainer constructed according to the present invention may bemanufactured from a wide variety of different materials. In preferredembodiments, the inner and outer walls of the cup portion are made of adurable material, such as, for example, stainless steel. The cover ispreferably manufactured from a plastic, such as, for example,polypropylene, PET or polyethylene. The front and rear grip portions andthe bottom cap are preferably manufactured from thermoplastic elastomer(TPE).

In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, the beveragecontainer may be provided without an outer wall. In this embodiment, theactuation mechanism is mounted along an exterior portion of the innerwall. A biasing spring or other mechanism may be located between theinner wall and the bottom end of the lever, or in any other suitablelocation, for moving the lever back into the resting position.

In another alternative embodiment, a button or other extension mayextend through the outer wall for enabling the user to move the bottomend of the lever. In this embodiment, the user may depress the button torotate the lever and thereby actuate the valve assembly. It should alsobe appreciated that any mechanism wherein the mug may be squeezed forcausing the valve assembly to move is intended to be within the scope ofthe invention.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the beverage container mayinclude a squeeze-actuated self-sealing valve that operates onelectrical power. In this embodiment, the act of squeezing the cupportion triggers an electrically-powered motor to move the valveassembly to unseal the opening.

While the foregoing detailed description has described severalembodiments of the apparatus of the present invention, it is to beunderstood that the above description is illustrative only and is notlimiting of the disclosed invention. It will be appreciated that thespecific features of the invention can differ from those described abovewhile remaining within the scope of the present invention.

1. A beverage container having a self-sealing valve, comprising: a cupportion formed with a bottom end, a top end and an inner wall definingan interior volume; a cover adapted for engagement with said top end ofsaid cup portion, said cover being formed with an opening extendingtherethrough; a valve assembly slidably disposed along said cover andhaving an open position and a closed position, said valve beingpositioned to seal said opening when in said closed position, said valvebeing positioned to unseal said opening when in said open position; anactuator mounted along said first wall of said cup portion, saidactuator being coupled to said valve assembly and configured to movesaid valve assembly into said open position in response to an externalforce; and a resilient member disposed along said cover for urging saidvalve assembly into said closed position.
 2. The beverage container ofclaim 1, wherein said valve assembly comprises a sliding plate.
 3. Thebeverage container of claim 1, wherein said cup portion furthercomprises an outer wall and said actuator is disposed in a gap betweensaid inner and outer walls.
 4. The beverage container of claim 1,wherein said actuator includes a lever having a top end and a bottomend, said top end of said lever being selectively coupled to saidsliding plate for sliding said sliding plate relative to said cover. 5.The beverage container of claim 4, wherein said lever rotates about apivot pin.
 6. The beverage container of claim 5, wherein said leverfurther comprises a biasing mechanism for urging said top end of saidlever away from said outer wall.
 7. The beverage container of claim 5,wherein said outer wall has an opening provided therethrough forallowing a user to apply a force along said bottom end of said lever. 8.The beverage container of claim 7, wherein said opening is providedalong a mid-section of said cup portion and said cup portion isconfigured to be squeezed by a user for applying the force.
 9. Thebeverage container of claim 8, further comprising a deformable rear gripportion disposed along said outer wall and covering said opening.
 10. Asqueezable beverage container having a self-sealing valve, comprising: acup portion formed with an inner wall and an outer wall, said innerfirst wall defining an interior volume for holding a beverage; a coveradapted for engagement with a top end of said cup portion, said coverbeing formed with an opening for allowing said beverage to pass through;a sliding plate disposed along said cover, said sliding plate having anopen position for uncovering said opening and a closed position forcovering said opening; and a pivoting mechanical lever disposed betweensaid inner and outer walls of said cup portion, said mechanical leverhaving a top end and a bottom end, said top end of said mechanical leverbeing configured for moving said sliding plate from said closed positionto said open position, said bottom end of said mechanical lever beingconfigured to be acted upon by a user for pivoting said mechanicallever.
 11. The squeezable beverage container of claim 10, furthercomprising a resilient member for urging said sliding plate into saidclosed position.
 12. The squeezable beverage container of claim 10,further comprising a cut-away away portion of said outer wall forallowing said user to act upon said bottom end of said mechanical lever.13. The squeezable beverage container of claim 10, further comprising adeformable material disposed along said outer wall and covering saidcut-away portion.